Ukraine Retreats from Urozhaine Amidst Intense Russian Offensive

Ukraine's army has retreated from the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region due to intense Russian attacks. The withdrawal marks another significant position lost. Despite improved firepower from recent military aid, Ukrainian forces struggle to hold ground. European leaders convene to discuss further support for Ukraine.

Ukraine's army has pulled out from the village of Urozhaine in the eastern Donetsk region, an official said Thursday, surrendering another front-line position as Russian forces blast Ukrainian defences in a relentless onslaught.

The village was reduced to rubble which ''made it impossible to hold the positions there," Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for local ground forces, told The Associated Press in a written message. He did not say when the pullout occurred.

Russia seized Urozhaine in the early days of the war that began after Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. Ukrainian troops recaptured it almost a year ago. Russia's Defence Ministry had claimed its army retook the village several days ago.

Russia has deployed devastating firepower as it pursues a summer offensive that has reduced towns and villages to ruins, denying Ukrainians defensive cover. Despite valiant defending, analysts say, Ukrainian forces are being pushed back in some places along the front line by the bigger and better equipped Kremlin army.

Ukrainian firepower has improved since US lawmakers approved a much-needed military aid package this spring, but it is not yet arriving quickly enough to stop the Russian push, especially in Donetsk.

Leaders from across Europe met in England on Thursday to discuss European security and more help for Ukraine.

Kyiv is employing a bend-but-don't-break strategy to buy time until it can get more Western weapons and ammunition to the front. By ceding some territory, Ukraine has been able to fight from better defended positions, army officials and analysts say.

(With inputs from agencies.)